Costa Rica’s Casa Tucana

When looking where to stay in Costa Rica, I checked everything. Hotels, apartments, houses, and more. When it came down to it, I knew staying in an Airbnb was the ideal situation. Hunting for the right one was a bit difficult. There are so many different spaces that looked great with good reviews that it took time to pick. After narrowing it down, it was finally decided to go with a beautiful casa, Tucana.

Location

Tucana is located in the gated community of Esterillos Osete, which is in Puntarenas. Renting a car in this area is highly recommended. Although there are local buses, I didn’t see many. It took us almost 2 hours to drive from San Jose Airport to the house. There was a lot of construction and most roads were one lane. We also made a quick pit stop at a store to pick up a few items and grab some food.

The house is about 20-30 minutes from Jaco and about 30 – 40 minutes away from Manuel Antonio Park. There is a beach that is 5 minutes away by car and there are stores and places to eat aka Sodas around. There are also several places to grab food or shop within the area, but again I suggest renting a car or at the very least having a driver.

Tucana

The house is beautiful. We pulled up to it and could see directly in through the glass doors. Upon walking inside we realized just how big the house was. Tall ceilings, stone floors, and an open concept. The kitchen and living room where off to the left and full equipped. The kitchen had everything needed in the way of cups, glasses, utensils, bowls, and even a double door fridge.

The living room had a white comfy couch and a television. The wifi was hooked up along with a DVD player. There were many DVDs with a wide range of genres as well. To the right were 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Each of the two bedrooms were very spacious had two big beds a piece. The bathroom had a pretty cool looking shower as well.

Walking down the hall to the left was a laundry room and then straight ahead and down a couple of steps was a huge master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The ensuite had a double sink, a huge garden tube, and a closest. Each bed had towel swans on it which we thought were so cute. Although they kept similar style and decor each room had its own personality. Each bedroom has an A/C unit that could be controlled with a remote. There were also fans in each room and a huge fan in the hall.

Tucana has an indoor and outdoor dining table, so a meal can be enjoyed as you see fit. The outdoor table also doubles as a ping pong table. There is ample seating spaces all over the property. Sunbathing on the deck, relaxing in the shade, or just kicking back with a book can be done.

There is a nice size salt water pool with a beautiful view of a jungle like atmosphere. The pool also has a swing in front of it which I thought was awesome. It can be accessed through the master bedroom or from the doors in the kitchen. If you don’t feel like taking a shower inside, there is a shower outside. I wish I had time to try it, maybe next time. Up a set of stairs is a great place to relax. There is another seating area and a couple of hammocks.

As I said before the house came equipped with wifi. From my experience the wifi worked in almost every room. The signal was best when in the living room or kitchen area. It was a bit spotty in the master bedroom and pretty much gone in the ensuite. Stepping outside to the backyard it virtually disappears. It worked well right outside the front door.

There was one lantern in the house that we didn’t find out about until the owner came by to check on us. Luckily a neighbor ended up lending us one since the power went out 30 minutes into us being there. We found out it was the entire area. There were no flashlights. We found one tea light candle and a handful of electric tea light candles that didn’t emit much light. The power was out for about 3 hours.

Once the power came back we had our hands on two lanterns. Sadly the electric went out again for the rest of the night and didn’t come back on till 2:20am. Luckily we had the lanterns, but we weren’t able to use any fans or A/C and it was pretty hot in the house. The owner charges if you use too much power so it is important to turn things off when you are not using it. We weren’t worried about that since the power was out for about 7/8 hours and we spent the next day out and about.

Tucana is a great house to stay in. It can hold up to 10 people, so it is great for large groups or even a small group of people. Either way it has ample space to spread out, but still be able to come together and hang out. I would certainly go back and stay at Tucana as I really enjoyed it. The owner was very nice and welcoming. Her husband also gives surfing lessons which we wanted to do, but didn’t get the opportunity. Perhaps next time!

Holly Dayz

Costa Rica is very high on my list for this summer when I’m back home in the states. So many different, beautiful regions to choose from. Tucana looks lovely. This is definitely one I’ll want to do solo.

Holly Dayz

Very nice place! I had a chance to visit Costa Rica years ago with a local and did not :-(. Those were still very dangerous times. Now, l am moving it back on the list. This looks like a great place to hang out :-).

Holly Dayz

OMG. Just absolutely stunning. I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica. It just looks/feels/seems so peaceful. You think this is somewhere though you can see yourself living? Or just only visiting though?

Holly Dayz

It was very peaceful. We felt like we had the country to ourselves which was odd because we went right at the height of their high season. I am not sure, I would have to go back and explore some more, but certainly go back and visit.

staciesayzso

Holly Dayz

Wow! Looks like an amazing place. Also going towards this area in a few days. Although this house is quite pricy for one (4 people), I can imagine it must be incredible with a big family or a big group of friends. I LOVE the swing!!!

Holly Dayz

I love using AirBnB compared with hotels or resorts and we’ve used them so far in a few places around Europe. They just seem to have so much more character to them and this house looked like it was a winner for you. I wish I was lounging around that pool right now!

Holly Dayz

That looks like a lovely house to rent for visiting that area. Good to hear that you had good luck with the Air BnB house. I’m heading back to Costa Rica in July, splitting time between the Arenal area and Guanacaste. Can’t wait!

Holly Dayz

Great review. I’ve been researching places to stay in Costa Rica but I really had my heart set on a treehouse. I will keep this in mind as an option. How was driving there? Were you afraid at all? Did the people drive relatively safe or crazy and fast?

Holly Dayz

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HollyDayz

Born and raised in Queens, NY; Holly is a producer and writer with a Master's Degree in Producing for Film & Television who's wanderlust has led her across the globe sharing pictures, tips, and her experiences to fellow explorers.

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